Inspiring Mothers: Kaerlig

I am surrounded by so many inspiring mothers.  They do amazing things in quiet ways.  So I want to dedicate my blog to spotlighting these mothers in my life and hope their story inspires you too!

Kaerlig is my older sister and lives in Provo, UT.  For many years since I was born Kaerlig took care of me.  She dressed me, fed me and watched over and protected me.  One of my most favorite memories with Kaerlig is running together when I was 10 years old.  She would take me on her 6 mile runs around town and helped me instill from an early age my own love for running.

Kaerlig started running with our mom off and on at the age of 8 when she ran her first 5K.  Then in 8th grade, Kaerlig joined the track team.  She continued to stay active throughout high school on the basketball team and during her senior year ran daily on her own in the evenings.  At 19 years old, Kaerlig ran her first marathon with our mom.  Kaerlig attended college at BYU where she got a BS in Zoology, and then an Associates in Nursing at UVU.  Kaerlig began to have painful bunions but continued her daily routine with running until she served a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Days Saints in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

After serving a mission, Kaerlig married Dave and soon after had their first child.  It was at this point that multiple running injuries kept her from continuing and had to try out new exercises.  She started with aerobics in her ward, then, with a gym membership, began turbo kickboxing using the daycare.  From 2001 to 2008 Kaerlig was not able to consistently run without pain.  During those 7 years she gave birth to her 3 children and worked as a nurse.  She also underwent bunion surgery on both feet in 2005.  It took 4 years to heal after her surgeries and to run pain free again.

Now for the past 6 years, Kaerlig has been able to run as much as she can and wants.  Kaerlig has been flexible with her body, doing what she could to stay active, and exploring new ways to enjoy exercise.  She developed a habit of running at a young age, and found that exercise made her feel good and stay in shape.  Kaerlig's preferred mode of exercise is running where she enjoys the personal time to think and get away.

Along with raising her three kids, Ray, Little D, and Lou, Kaerlig has now been a RN at the Hospital for 12 years, as well as the co-owner of the Scooter Lounge with her husband for the past 12 years.  At the Scooter Lounge, she keeps on top of the book keeping, pay roll, inventory, ordering parts and trains employees.  Her kids also have weekly activities they are involved in like skiing and swimming.  As if that is not enough to keep her busy, Kaerlig is the Primary President of her ward for 2 years now.    

Not only do I admire Kaerlig for her hard working spirit, positive attitude and active lifestyle, she has created a home that is founded on family traditions.  Here are some of my favorites: Birthday cake for breakfast and open presents before kids go to school.  Friday's pizza and movie night every week.  Weekly family home evening.  Nightly family scripture study.  Family morning and evening prayers.  Monthly family testimony meeting before Sunday dinner.  Pick out a "real" Christmas tree every year as a family.  Annual scooter rally, camping at national parks, and the Fourth of July Freedom Run 10K.

Not only has Kaerlig created lasting memories for her family, but continues to instill in them her love for them and the Savior.

 

Kaerlig and Dave

                                                                   The Fam

Dave and Kaerlig

                     Me with my mom and sisters















                                                                  Kaer holding me